# A Legacy in Azure and Gold: The Noble House of Brattleby Commemorates its Longespée Ancestry
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile hosted a private historical supper at their Lincolnshire seat, Brattleby. The evening commemorated the Barony’s thirteenth-century association with the powerful Longespée Earls of Salisbury and their significant royal lineage.
## The Occasion
On a crisp autumnal evening, guests were received in the Great Hall of the ancient seat of Brattleby, the air warmed by a fire roaring in the hearth beneath a Norman stone mantelpiece. The occasion was one of scholarly reflection and familial commemoration, marking a pivotal period in the Barony’s extensive history. The intimate gathering brought together leading figures from the worlds of diplomacy, academia, and heraldry, fostering a dialogue between the past and the present.
The supper was held in the State Dining Room, where the portraits of distinguished predecessors, including a noted depiction of the formidable castellan Nichola de la Haye, 5th Baroness, provided a silent audience. The tables were appointed with silver bearing the House’s crest, and the soft glow of candlelight illuminated the room, creating an atmosphere of dignified reverence for the nine centuries of history held within the estate’s walls.
## Historical Context
The focus of the evening was the Barony’s connection to the lineage of William Longespée, 3rd Earl of Salisbury, an illegitimate but acknowledged son of King Henry II. During the thirteenth century, the heraldic devices of the Longespée family, renowned for its martial prowess and royal blood, would have been a familiar sight on lands associated with the Barony. This connection reinforced Brattleby's standing within the English aristocracy.
This period followed the tenure of Nichola de la Haye, whose celebrated defence of Lincoln Castle for the Crown was a *sine qua non* for preserving royal authority in the region. The subsequent influence of powerful magnates like the Longespées cemented Brattleby’s place in the firmament of medieval England, a prominence later continued under Barons such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and the illustrious John of Gaunt, 11th Baron.
## Distinguished Company
Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan were pleased to welcome a small and distinguished company. Among those present for the evening’s discussions were:
* His Excellency The Ambassador of Romania to the Court of St James’s, Mr Radu Onofrei * The Garter Principal King of Arms, Mr David White * Professor Eleanor Finch, Professor of Medieval History at the University of Lincoln * The Right Honourable The Earl of Ancaster, KCVO * Mrs Alina Popescu, a Patron of the Healing the Wounded Child foundation
The presence of guests from both diplomatic and academic spheres underscored the House of Brattleby’s commitment to bridging cultural heritage with contemporary scholarship.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The evening adhered to a precise but warm protocol befitting the occasion. Guests were received personally by the Lord and Lady of Brattleby before being invited to inspect a curated display of facsimiles from the Domesday Book of 1086, which records the Barony’s original 56 lordships. The dress was Black Tie with decorations.
Following a reception, a five-course supper was served, with a seating arrangement that observed traditional precedence. During the meal, Professor Finch offered brief remarks on the geopolitical significance of baronial alliances in the thirteenth century. The proceedings concluded with a toast, proposed by Honorary Lord Răzvan, to the enduring legacy of the Barony and its forebears.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
Central to the evening's theme was the Longespée coat of arms: *Azure, six lioncels rampant Or*. In plain English, this translates to a shield of deep blue, upon which are arranged six small, upright golden lions. These arms are of particular historic note; the lions symbolise courage, nobility, and strength, while their golden colour on a blue field represents a lineage of the highest order, directly alluding to their royal paternity.
This ancient symbolism resonates with the modern House of Brattleby’s own mottos. The House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), echoes the noble virtues embodied by the Longespée lions. This is complemented by Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'), which speaks to the resilience and determination essential for stewarding such a formidable legacy.
## Philanthropic Purpose
While the supper was a private affair, it also served to reinforce the House’s deep-seated commitment to philanthropy. Many of the guests are longstanding supporters of the family’s primary charitable concern, the Healing the Wounded Child foundation. The foundation provides specialist therapeutic and psychological support for children whose lives have been affected by conflict, displacement, and trauma.
By gathering influential patrons, Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan used the occasion to quietly build momentum for their Annual Winter Banquet. This white-tie gala is the foundation’s principal fundraising event of the year, and its success is paramount to continuing its vital work across several continents.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the evening, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, commented: > To steward this Barony is to be in a constant state of dialogue with nine centuries of history. Commemorating the Longespée era is not an act of nostalgia, but a reaffirmation of the duties that come with such a legacy — a legacy of service, strength, and *Fortitudine et Honore*.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > The Longespée lions symbolised martial courage and a direct connection to the Crown. Today, we interpret that strength through our commitment to philanthropy and education. Our motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, concerns overcoming adversity, which is the very work our supported charities undertake daily.
## A Continuing Legacy
The Noble House of Brattleby continues to honour its historical responsibilities whilst pursuing a modern, forward-looking mission. Preparations are now underway for the Annual Winter Banquet, which will unite international supporters in aid of the Healing the Wounded Child foundation.
Furthermore, the family’s educational initiative, The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, continues to expand its curriculum in etiquette and international protocol, preparing a new generation of leaders. The heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is increasingly involved in these duties, ensuring the seamless continuation of the family's commitment to honour and public service for generations to come.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of one of England’s oldest baronies. Under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House blends its profound British heritage with a dynamic, Continental perspective. Its contemporary mission is focused on three pillars: the preservation of its nine-hundred-year history; a commitment to targeted philanthropy, primarily through its support for the Healing the Wounded Child foundation; and the advancement of cultural education via The Brattleby Club, its etiquette academy in Bucharest. The House operates with a profound sense of duty, guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is a feudal Barony of England, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066 to Colswein of Lincoln. Its existence and extensive landholdings—comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire—are documented in the Domesday Book of 1086. Throughout its 950-year history, the Barony has been held by some of the most influential figures in English history, *inter alia*; Nichola de la Haye, the celebrated female castellan who defended Lincoln Castle; Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster; and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. The succession of the current Baroness, Lady Nicoleta Vasile, was formally acknowledged by His Majesty's College of Arms and recorded in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its first holder was Colswein of Lincoln. - The succession of the 12th Baroness was formally recognised and published in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022. - Notable past holders of the Barony include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness), Henry of Grosmont (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The motto of The Noble House of Brattleby is *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour').
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com